
NANA -
Nature And Nurture Area

NANA – Nature And Nurture Areas
NANA (Nature And Nurture Areas) is our community-led garden project based in Lochside, Dumfries. It’s a peaceful, inclusive space where people come together to connect with nature, nurture their wellbeing, and grow both food and friendships.
The garden is designed to support mental health, community resilience, and environmental awareness. Whether you're looking to dig in and learn new skills or simply need a quiet moment in nature, NANA offers something for everyone.
Our space includes:
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A thriving orchard providing fresh fruit and a symbol of long-term community growth.
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Vegetable and fruit beds where people of all ages can learn to grow seasonal produce, promoting food security and healthy eating.
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A dedicated area for wildflowers with medicinal properties, reviving traditional knowledge and offering natural support for wellbeing.
At its heart, NANA is about more than growing plants—it’s about cultivating connection, confidence, and care. Many of the people who visit the garden are navigating life’s challenges, from isolation and anxiety to low confidence or loss. NANA offers a gentle, grounding space where people are welcomed without judgement and encouraged to grow at their own pace.
We run regular gardening sessions, creative nature-based workshops, and seasonal activities, all rooted in community values and local knowledge. The garden is maintained by a mix of volunteers, residents, and participants from across our projects—including young people, families, and older adults.
NANA is a space to breathe, belong, and bloom—naturally.
Environment
Reduce Carbon
Milage of Food
Protect
Enhance
Respect
Value
Encourage Biodiversity
Social Impact
Mental health
Friendships
Safe spaces
Reduce isolation
Reduce loneliness
Emotional connection
Educational
Biodiversity
Food Origins
Botany
Climate
Cooking
Recycle
Upskills
Happy life/Healthy Life
Intergenerational skills
Self-reliant
Economic
Employment
Positive Impact
Personal development
Earn money
Develop skills
Skill share
Biodiversity
Eco life
Oxygen
Air + Water
Pollination of plants
Wastewater
Genetics – species –
Ecological
bug life
Equality
Inclusive
Empowered
Resilient
Safe space
Valued
Protect
Enhance
Encourage
Better diets
Exercise
Mental health
Education
Therapy
NANA
at the Cabin










Community Garden ideas
Community Work
Community Work with Wheatley homes south, Donations from the Branching out project and Wheatley.
Laurieknowe Primary School
This is The Dandelion Goddess Structure donated to LIFT D&G by the Dandelion Project.

























